What is it about South Americans? They have this utter self-confidence that makes even the plainest strut their stuff like a supermodel. Brazilian, Colombian, Venezuelan or any of the other nationalities, they carry themselves with a physical contentment we can only wonder at.
London clubland's love affair with all things Latin has been a long time coming. Musically, Kenny Dope and Louis Vega have kept the Latin house fires burning for years, studding their DJ sets with flamenco guitars. Roger Sanchez, David Morales and Colombia's Erick Morillo have also proudly pushed their homegrown talent.
Ibiza's links with South America are also key, with the cross-fertilisation forging a fertile link that sees DJs from both sides regularly flying out to play for appreciative crowds. Crucially, though, what does this mean for your average London clubber? As I said: beautiful people. Latinthemed nights are full of some of the hottest, most up-for-it punters you'll ever meet, and the girls - if you'll permit me - have the finest, ripest, most heartbreakingly wonderful bottoms, with thighs to match. To go to a Latin themed club is to be in rump heaven.
Latin American fever is taking over on all fronts, though. Pop to any park and it's a safe bet you'll spot a couple of pasty blokes trying to bust capoeira moves. Head to a decent bar and it's odds-on mojitos and caipirinas will be on the cocktail menu. London's awash with Latin spirit.
For a true taste of la vida latino, head down to La Bomba! at the Ministry of Sound tonight. Here you'll hear Latin hip hop and R&B, as well as reggaeton, salsa, merengue, bashment and dancehall in a mad musical mix supplied by DJ Mesta. This is the real deal, an inspired booking from Ministry - expect Latin communities from Brixton, Camberwell and Stockwell to be out in force. Needless to say, the last La Bomba! in March was a sell-out, with the club's doors closed by 1am, so get there early.
If the prospect of venturing into deepest Elephant and Castle leaves you cold then head to Covent Garden and check out the excellent Guanabara Brazilian bar and restaurant. It may have a West End location but the music is cutting edge Latin cool - from forro to baile funk to paulista-rock - and tonight sees a live PA from respected five-piece Mandinga.
London's clubland is loving Latin. Isn't it time you did too?
clubland@thelondonlite.co.uk
